Inspection intervals for safety valves in refrigeration systems in Germany
Inspection intervals for safety valves in refrigeration systems in Germany Status: 01.06.2024
Article: All KSV and ÜSV safety valves of series 2442..., 2443..., 2446..., 2447...
Periodic inspections of safety valves
The safety valves in the series listed above are direct spring-loaded safety valves; according to PED 2014/68 EU, they only need to be checked regularly for leaks; there is no set deadline for a functional test.
In recent years, changes and harmonization of the relevant standards have resulted in a number of changes that have placed the responsibility for setting inspection intervals in the hands of the operator. In case of doubt, it must be proven that everything necessary has been done to prevent damage to persons and property. Various information pages therefore refer to
https://www.tuev-sued.de/anlagen-bau-industrietechnik/technikfelder/elektro-und-gebaeudetechnik/kaelte-klimatechnik-atp-pruefstelle/kaeltetechnik-und-kaelteanlagen/betrieb-von-kaelteanlagen
or also here (see page 2): http://www.beyer-sicherheitsventil-gmbh.de/downloads/Sicherheitsventile_regelkonform_warten_und_pruefen_CT_2012_10.pdf
to the inspection intervals specified in the BetrSichV and there is a clear statement on this.
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/betrsichv_2015/BJNR004910015.html#BJNR004910015BJNG000300000
Quote: 6.2 Refrigeration and heat pump systems
6.2.1 For refrigeration and heat pump systems which are operated with refrigerants in a closed circuit and which must be inspected periodically by an approved inspection body, system inspections must be carried out at least every five years.
The distinction is made here with regard to the size of the system, as above a certain size only an approved inspection body may inspect, and for smaller systems a "qualified person".
According to TRBS-1201-Part-2 (Technical Rules for Operational Safety) see: https://www.baua.de/DE/Angebote/Rechtstexte-und-Technische-Regeln/Regelwerk/TRBS/pdf/TRBS-1201-Teil-2.pdf
the employer or operator must also define repair and maintenance work in a risk assessment and, in the event of increased wear, define measures to ensure safe operation.
The operator must determine the inspection intervals on the basis of a safety assessment. Spe-cific intervals are only specified in the BetrSichV with reference to the diagrams of the EU Pres-sure Equipment Directive (PED) for tanks and pipelines. The AD2000 A2 "Sicherheitseinrichtungen gegen Drucküberschreitung, Sicherheitsventile" also states that the set pressure must be tested at regular intervals. Here, too, reference is made to the operator's obligation to specify intervals, based on the recommendations of the safety valve manufacturer and the approved monitoring body.
The current edition of DIN EN 378-4:2019 contains a revised section D, which is to be used "where there are no corresponding criteria in the national regulations".
Checking the safety equipment D.6
D.6 Safety switching devices, emergency signals and alarm systems are tested annually on site (see EN 378-2:2016, 6.3.4.3.3).
Externally mounted pressure relief valves and bursting discs are visually inspected in ac-cordance with EN 378-2:2016, 6.3.4.3.1, 6.3.4.3.4 and 6.3.4.3.5 and checked annually for leaks.
Externally mounted pressure relief valves are recalibrated or replaced every five years.
Based on the above, we recommend checking the safety valves every 5 years from commission-ing of the system and replacing the valves during the inspection. During operation, especially if the valve has been triggered, dirt can be blown into the valve body, which can impair the proper functioning of the safety valve. In the simplest case, leaks may occur, but the opening pressure may no longer correspond to the desired value due to sticking, etc. In the meantime, DEKRA has also issued a recommendation that valves that are more than 5 years old should no longer be tested and certified again. Valves that have already been used in a system are no longer regularly tested.
We hope that this information has been helpful and will be happy to answer any further questions you may have.
Hansa Kältetechnik GmbH
Langenwiedenweg 111
D - 59457 Werl
Contact: Andreas Holle, Operations Management
Phone: +49 (2922) 86665 275
Fax: +49 (2922) 86665 284
Email: holle@hansakaelte.de
http://www.hansakaelte.de
Disclaimer
The information and links provided in this document have been compiled and documented to the best of our knowledge. Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out that, despite the greatest care, errors may creep in and we must therefore point out that, in case of doubt, the user must familiarize himself directly with the relevant legal requirements and regulations. HANSA cannot accept any liability for errors.
